29/09/2025
EVEOLVE MENTORING MASTERCLASS #5 | Mentees inspired by Lesieli Taviri’s faith-fueled leadership insights
OUR mentees were privileged to engage in a powerful and inspiring session over the weekend with Lesieli Taviri, CEO of the PNG Sustainable Development Program, who spoke on the theme: “Faith and Career: What Godly Leadership Looks Like in the Secular World.”
They were given a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Papua New Guinea’s most accomplished and values-driven leaders, who shared from both her professional journey and personal convictions, offering rich takeaways on leadership, faith, and growth.
Key takeaways from the dialogue were:
1. Hate Failure, But Grow from It: Rather than romanticise failure, Ms. Taviri emphasised that disliking failure can fuel resilience and push us to do better — a mindset shift for many.
2. Lead with Purpose, Not for Titles: True leadership is grounded in passion and purpose. It’s not about position or privilege, but about people and positive impact.
3. Collaboration is Powerful: Inspiring others and working together are critical in achieving meaningful goals. Leadership is a shared effort.
4. Step Into Challenge: Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Taking on challenges, even when they’re intimidating, is essential for development.
5. Stay Authentic: Don’t change who you are to suit the crowd or a job. Be grounded in your values and choose paths that align with your identity and purpose.
6. Be a Lifelong Learner: Continuously expand your knowledge — not just in your field, but across disciplines. Curiosity is a key leadership trait.
7. Master Time and Networking: Ms. Taviri shared her personal principle: “I am either working or networking.” Time is a resource, and intentional networking is critical for building future support systems.
8. Let Faith Anchor You: In times of ethical dilemma or high pressure, her advice was simple and personal: “Take a break and read your Bible.” Faith should guide and ground your decision-making.
9. Be Hungry, Stay Humble: Ambition must be paired with humility. Approach opportunities with intentionality and always be prepared to add value.
10. Honour the Process, Not Personal Gain: In leadership roles, it’s vital to avoid personal agendas. Decisions should be guided by process and integrity, not personal interest.
Participants described the session as transformative with mentee Florence Pill saying that, “It was more than just a talk — it was a masterclass on living and leading with conviction.”
Alice Gabi, a STEM student who resonated with Ms. Taviri’s academic background, added, “I am inspired to build both my career and my character.”
The session serves as a valuable reminder that godly leadership in secular spaces is not only possible — it’s powerful.
Photo by EVEMedia
